Page 101 of Fake Dating Daxton Hawk
“My brother came back. Thank you for finding him. It’s been so nice having Ryan around.”
“Anything for you.” He smiles. “And what happened with The Feather Tease?”
“I met with them today. They offered me a dancing position. Full-time pay. I took the offer.”
“That’s incredible, Jordan. I’m so happy for you.”
“Yeah. It’s… really good.”
Daxton twirls a finger through my hair, his eyes studying me. “Why don’t you sound more excited?”
“I am excited. Everything has just been a lot to deal with lately.”
“Jordan…” There it is again—the concern in Daxton’s voice, that I’m about to vanish into thin air. “I’m so sorry—”
I press my fingers to his lips. “You don’t need to keep apologizing. I forgive you.” Mina’s advice returns to me, about reassuring Daxton that he can trust me too. “I mean it. You don’t need to walk on eggshells around me, scared I’ll run off. Mina said something to me that really stuck—that people are flawed and are allowed to make mistakes in relationships. You’re allowed to make mistakes going forward. I’m not going to hold a grudge or use the Steel secret against you every time an issue arises between us. We have a clean slate.”
Daxton’s eyes soften at my words, filled with relief.
“There’s something I want to ask about… Steel.”
“Anything.”
I place my hands on the lapels of his jacket, mindlessly playing with the fabric. “I know you were desperate to meet me in real life when we spoke on Secret Santa. In all that time, did you really never pursue other women?”
Daxton holds my gaze, his voice and eyes serious. “Not once. It’s been you, only you for years. What we had on Secret Santa was my life support after Felicity and I ended. And then, one day I forgot about her and you were the girl on my mind. I’ve been in love with you for so long, Jordan. Even before we met.”
I nod, smiling softly as Daxton’s words sink in. “You were right, by the way, about what you said last night. I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but I am glad you’re Steel. To now realize all the qualities I loved about Steel are also in you… It only strengthens what we have and makes me love you more.”
Daxton holds me closer, kissing my forehead. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you speak those words.”
“Also…” My cheeks grow a little heated. “I had a thought earlier in the evening after reading your letter. You were right about something else—what you wrote about the universe wanting us to meet. I wouldn’t commit to meeting Steel, so the universe pushed us together that night at Club Noir. What were the chances of you randomly entering the club where I work and singling me out from every other woman there?”
Daxton’s thumb brushes against my cheek. “Move back in here with me. This is where you belong. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I want to but… You’re away on business a lot.”
“Jordan, I’m meant to be working in LA right now. But there’s no way I can be in a different city from you. Not now. Not ever. I’ve made arrangements that will relieve me from traveling. My place is in New York with you. Wherever you are. So, please, baby, move back in here with me.”
“I don’t understand. Youhaveto travel for business.”
“I’m the boss. I can do whatever I like.” He laughs softly, drawing my arms around his neck. “Do you remember my mother’s phrase I wrote in my letter?If you love something, set it free. If it returns to you…” Daxton’s jaw stiffens and he swallows hard, suddenly growing nervous. “Jordan, this isn’t really about living arrangements. You areitfor me. There’ll never be anyone else. Please, tell me you’ve returned to me. Returned for good.”
I smile and place a gentle kiss on his lips. “Yes, Daxton. I’m yours forever.”
ChapterFifty-Two
2 Years Later
Jordan
It’s late afternoon when I finish my stretching routine. I strip out of my workout wear, completely naked, and dive off the ledge of the yacht. The cool water is refreshing against my sweaty skin. After rising to the surface, I inhale a lungful of salty sea air, feeling the sun’s warmth on me. In the distance, the Italian coastline shimmers, with small boats bobbing in the gentle waves. I float on my back and gaze at the sky, the tranquility of this moment rare to find in my hectic everyday life.
This is the first proper vacation Daxton and I have taken together. Our work schedules have been crazy, with him opening new hotels and me dancing. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, enjoying the calm sea. My career has felt like a whirlwind these past two years. Once I took the job at The Feather Tease Lounge, more opportunities snowballed, landing me shows in Vegas, features in music videos, guest judge positions on dance shows, and I’m now a regular on Verena’s reality show.
Then there was the hardship of Daxton’s mother passing away. He handled it surprisingly well, following her wishes that her life be celebrated. But her death did take its toll on him. At least it brought him a little closer to his brother. It even brought me closer to my parents. Ryan and I still have a long way to go with Mom and Dad, but we’re talking to them more frequently and they’ve been sober for two years now.
This vacation has been a long time coming. A private yacht. Daxton and me alone for a whole month, sailing the Mediterranean. It’s absolute perfection and I still can’t believe this is my life. When we do return to New York, there’ll be so many exciting things waiting for us. We’ll get to hear all about Mina and Zac’s elopement. They sent me photos of it a week ago and the ceremony looked so romantic, just the two of them on a beach in Bora Bora like they wanted. Then there’s the baby. Adrian got Verena pregnant nine months ago and she’s due any day now. Next month, we’ll be attending Darius and Victor’s engagement party.
